5 Fabulous Sandwich Shops in Baltimore, MD

What Is It?

J.C. Romero's Neighborhood Cafe is a charming corner cafe that dates back to 1929, located in the lively Bayview neighborhood of Baltimore. It serves up a variety of mouthwatering sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks alongside coffee, smoothies, and even some groceries. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, the cafe genuinely feels like a home away from home for both locals and visitors alike.

The Experience

As soon as you step into J.C. Romero's Neighborhood Cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wraps around you like a warm hug. The friendly staff greets you with smiles, instantly making you feel like part of the community. You glance at the menu, which boasts a tempting array of options from classic sandwiches to delightful quesadillas. After a bit of indecision, you choose the famous Italian sub, known for its generous helpings and mouthwatering flavors. As you wait, you can't help but take in the cozy, inviting atmosphere filled with laughter and buzzing conversations.

While savoring your meal, you overhear snippets of friendly chats and laughter from tables nearby. It’s evident that this cafe is a gathering place, where neighbors exchange stories over hearty sandwiches and comforting beverages. The owners make regular rounds, checking in with patrons and genuinely engaging in conversation. You strike up a friendly banter with one of them, who happily shares stories about the restaurant’s history and how they proudly support local events. The warmth of the environment encourages you to stick around a little longer, and before you know it, you’re also sipping on their specialty mocha frappe—far better than the chains, they say.

As you dig into your Italian sub, each bite bursts with flavor from carefully selected ingredients that blend together in harmonious delight. The accompanying fries are crispy and seasoned just right, making this meal a real treat. The prices are refreshingly reasonable, which only adds to the feeling that you’ve stumbled onto a true gem. You can’t resist chatting with the cheerful owner, exchanging laughs and stories, which amplifies the sense of community that radiates from this spot.

By the time you finish your meal, you realize that J.C. Romero's is more than just a cafe; it's a beloved local establishment that embodies the spirit of the Bayview neighborhood. Before heading out, you grab a few of their delightful chocolate chip cookies to go. As you leave, you can’t help but plan your next visit, excited to bring friends along to share in this delightful dining experience that feels so much like home.

When to Go

For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting J.C. Romero's in the late morning before the lunch crowd rolls in. This timeframe allows you to enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace and soak in the cozy vibes without the hustle and bustle that often arrives around noon.

What Is It?

JAWA Market, situated in Baltimore’s Northeast Market, is your go-to spot for incredibly fresh sandwiches and salads. Known for their flavorful paninis and generous portion sizes, guests rave about the quality of the food and the welcoming service. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic turkey burger or a flavorful shrimp and salmon wrap, there’s something on the menu for everyone.

The Experience

Stepping into JAWA Market, you’re immediately hit with the delightful aroma of fresh ingredients mingling in the air. As you approach the counter, the vibrant atmosphere around you buzzes with happy chatter from customers eagerly engaging with the friendly staff. You take a moment to survey the menu and can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the delicious options available. With recommendations ringing in your ears about the shrimp and salmon panini, you ultimately decide to indulge in that along with a side of their amazing fresh salads.

As you wait, your mouth waters in anticipation as you watch sandwiches being grilled to perfection. Soon enough, your order is ready, and a friendly staff member presents your food with a smile. You take your first bite of the shrimp and salmon panini, and it's pure bliss - the flavors burst in your mouth, and you can’t help but do a little dance in your seat. It’s perfectly seasoned, the shrimp is plump, and the wrap is refreshingly packed with veggies. Any fish lover would surely appreciate this delightful creation especially with the absolutely scrumptious sauce they drizzle on top.

After finishing your delectable panini, you can’t resist sampling the salads. Each bite feels like a trip to the farmers’ market - kissed by freshness and well thought-out combinations. Patrons around you are engaging in lively chats, and you can’t help but notice how everyone’s meals look just as good as yours. As you contemplate if you should try a dessert later, you overhear someone at the next table remarking about the fantastic turkey burger, which piques your interest.

With a satisfied stomach and a smile on your face, you finish up your meal and wave goodbye to the lovely staff as you head out. You already know this won’t be your last visit - the welcoming vibe, fresh food, and incredible customer service make it one of the best lunch spots in the neighborhood. Your only dilemma is what to try next time – there are too many scrumptious options to choose from!

When to Go

If you want to enjoy a quieter experience at JAWA Market, aiming for earlier in the lunch hour or just after lunchtime is your best bet. Many patrons note that the rush really picks up around noon, so arriving a little before or after can give you a more relaxing visit without the wait.

What Is It?

Luigi's Italian Deli is a charming little spot in Hampden, perfect for grabbing hearty Italian sandwiches, panini, and antipasti. With a laid-back vibe and outdoor seating, it’s an inviting place to grab a delicious bite while soaking up the neighborhood atmosphere.

The Experience

When you step up to Luigi's Italian Deli, you're immediately hit by the mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked bread and savory Italian meats. You scan the colorful menu and imagine the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a Scooch or maybe a Falco, both local favorites loved for their generous portions and vibrant flavors. As you place your order at the window, the staff greets you with warm smiles and a sprinkle of light-hearted banter that puts you instantly at ease.

While you wait, it’s hard not to take in the charming surroundings. The outdoor seating is perfect for watching the world go by, with neighbors sharing laughs and exchanging friendly greetings. Your anticipation builds as you see your sandwich being prepped — it’s clear they’re dedicated to crafting these masterpieces with care. When it’s finally handed to you, it’s a beauty; fresh ingredients stacked high on perfectly toasted bread. You can already tell that a single sandwich here is enough to feed two!

Once you find a cozy little spot on the porch, you savor your first bite; the flavors dance on your palate as you dig into the generous layers of meat, cheese, and all those delicious condiments. Every bite reinforces why this little deli has garnered such a loyal following. Plus, if you happen to have your dog with you, don’t be surprised if the staff tosses them a treat — they’re known for their friendly attitude toward furry customers, too!

As the meal comes to a close, you feel satisfied and happy. You can’t forget to grab a cannoli for dessert, as it’s often touted as a must-try after your delicious sandwich. You leave with a full belly and a smile on your face, already planning your next visit to Luigi's, eager to try out their enticing selection of sandwiches and maybe even experiment with a pasta salad you’ve heard good things about.

What Is It?

Marty's Deli is a charming mom-and-pop eatery in the heart of Baltimore, serving up delicious breakfast and lunch options that truly capture the essence of local dining. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast sandwich or a flavorful cheesesteak for lunch, this corner gem has you covered with a menu full of comforting classics and delightful surprises.

The Experience

Walking into Marty's Deli, you’re immediately greeted by the smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee. The atmosphere is inviting, with the kind of warmth that feels like a cozy kitchen at home. As you approach the counter, you can’t help but notice the friendly banter between the staff and regulars, which gives off that charming neighborhood vibe. You place your order for a turkey club with a fried egg — a combo that many rave about — and while you wait, you grab a seat and soak in the ambiance, which is filled with laughter and chatter from other patrons.

Soon enough, your dish arrives, looking just as delectable as it sounded. The bread is perfectly toasted, and the fried egg adds a delightful touch. Every bite confirms what you’ve heard from others: Marty's has some of the best breakfast and lunch offerings in the area! You take a sip of the homemade sweet tea lemonade — a fan favorite — and already start planning your next visit with excitement.

Your meal hits the spot, and you can only imagine what the other dishes might taste like. The menu is vast, featuring everything from scrapple to homemade chicken salad sandwiches with pecans and cranberries that seem to be another must-try. You can see why so many guests describe this place as a hidden gem. Even though it’s busy, you appreciate the speed of the friendly service that never feels rushed.

Finishing up, you’re surprised at how affordable it is for the quality of the food, which only reinforces your sense that you’ve stumbled upon a true local treasure. As you chat with the staff before leaving, their personable nature makes it clear that they really do care about their customers. This feeling of being more than just a customer solidifies the experience in your mind as one that will bring you back to Marty’s again and again, like a home away from home in Baltimore.

When to Go

For those looking to enjoy a quieter dining experience, aiming for a late breakfast around 9 AM or a lunch visit right when it opens can help you avoid the busier rush times. It's a nice way to savor your meal without the hustle and bustle that comes later in the morning or around noon.

What Is It?

Pastore's of Rosedale is your go-to spot in Baltimore for authentic Italian deli sandwiches, pasta, and other classic Italian meals. With a menu that features everything from hearty subs to homemade shrimp salad, this cozy deli ensures fresh, delicious food served with a smile.

The Experience

You step into Pastore's of Rosedale and immediately feel at home. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces—a comforting reminder of classic Italian cooking. As you approach the counter, you're greeted by friendly staff who are eager to help you navigate the extensive menu. You can’t resist the allure of their signature Pastore sub, packed with high-quality cold cuts and vibrant toppings that sparkle with freshness. As you place your order, you see patrons around you enjoying their meals, laughter echoing among them, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Once your sub is ready, you find a cozy spot to indulge. The bread is perfectly crusty yet soft, holding together a generous amount of flavorful meats and garnished with olives that add a delightful zing. Every bite reveals a symphony of flavors, making it clear why locals rave about this place. You notice a few guests enjoying their meatball heels, where sauce and meatballs spill out from the hearty bread—a true testament to indulgence!

Before you leave, the dessert section catches your eye. You can't help but snag a slice of the famous Limoncello Mars Capone cake, often recommended by regulars. With each forkful, the cake melts in your mouth, perfectly balancing zesty and sweet, leaving you wishing you had room for more.

As you wrapped up your meal, the takeaway options also snag your attention—frozen meals, homemade soup, and various Italian specialties that allow you to carry a piece of Pastore's home with you. The overall vibe is reminiscent of a classic Italian market where you can find not just food, but a slice of community, where folks are treated like family.

When to Go

To enjoy a quieter meal at Pastore's of Rosedale, try swinging by mid-afternoon, around 2 PM. This is before they close and typically when the lunch rush has died down, giving you a more relaxed experience while still savoring their scrumptious offerings.